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Why is my dog scooting and struggling to poop after grooming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 100 years and 7 months old | 6.6 lbs

My dog recently got groomed and I requested that they do not attempt to express the anal glands. To my knowledge they did not provide request. Since he came home he has been scooting on the floor and struggling to poop. He had a sanitary cut. I do not see any nicks on the anus. What could be wrong? Just itchy from the shave?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

It is difficult to tell from your question whether you requested Bogey's anal glands to be expressed or not. Scooting the bottom is a fairly typical sign of anal gland irritation. If Bogey DID have his anal glands expressed I would anticipate the scooting will resolve in the next day or so. If he did NOT have his anal glands expressed then this is something that likely needs to be addressed. Clipping and shampoo could also cause irritation around the hind end, and should pass within a couple of days.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 26th, 2020

    It doesn't look like his anal glands are inflamed and if your groomer expresses his anal glands they should be fine. Maybe he has an itchy rear from getting a hygiene clip around there or it was just itchy. Of course, if he continues to scoot and the area becomes inflamed, get him in to see your vet.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 25th, 2016

    The most common cause of scooting on the ground is impacted anal glands - these are two scent glands located on either side of the rectum in dogs, which can sometimes get infected or overly full. When this happens, it's quite uncomfortable and can even be itchy or painful in some cases, causing the dog to scoot. If you are seeing some redness and hair loss in the surrounding area, it's also possible that he has an allergy or other skin condition that is contributing to the problem. I would recommend having Kane examined by a vet tomorrow if possible - he/she can check his anal glands and express them if needed, and may also prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication to help treat the problem.

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Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is it possible that a groomer can damage a dog's anal glands and if so how do you tell? My dog never had any anal gland issues before a few months ago after visiting the groomer. I have tried fiber supplements and changing food with a higher fiber co
yes, I am afraid it is possible that a groomer damages anal glands. Most groomers offer emptying anal glands as a service, however, do not do this correctly and also do it even when it is not necessary. Emptying anal glands/sacs should be done by a veterinarian and only after the vet examines them and determines that they actually are impacted and need emptying. So, when you take your dog to the groomer adamantly request that they leave the anal sacs alone. As for the scooting and furiously licking, dogs with food allergies often can get irritated anal glands. It may be worth trying some hypoallergenic food for 8 to 12 weeks to see whether this subsides. If so, then your dog is suffering from food allergies and you want to discuss an elimination diet with your veterinarian.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog had a grooming session 2 days ago. Yesterday he was booty scooching and we noticed fecal matter stuck to his rectal area and a episode of diarrhea. We cleaned it off etc. Today he had a more loose stool, more formed. And again he had fecal mat
Hello, sorry to hear about Sammie. It sounds like the loose stools are making his peri-anal area soiled. He may have loose stools because of the stress associated with going to the groomers. Additionally, if his anal glands were expressed he may be a little sensitive in the area and may be straining to defecate. Continue to clean and dry the area as needed when he becomes soiled. If the problem continues after 2-3 days, then Sammie should be seen by a veterinarian. If Sammie develops swelling, pain, or thick green discharge from his anal region, then he should be evaluated sooner. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I just got my dog’s anal glands expressed and the same day he is still scooting across the floor. Is this normal or are they full again?
They are likely not full again but may be a bit irritated due to the expression. If your dog keeps scooting for more than a day or two then I suggest you take him back to your veterinarian for a recheck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is a male Pitt Boxer mix who just turned 8 months old. Today he has been whining and dragging him bottom accross the floor. What do I do?
Have him seen by your veterinarian. The most common, and easiest to treat, cause is full or impacted anal glands. Normally, the anal glands are emptied during the act of defecation. In some dogs, this doesn't happen and the glands fill up, become impacted and could abscess. This would result in the symptoms described. Your veterinarian can Express the glands manually, flush them and instill medication if necessary. Antibiotics and pain medications are also sometimes dispensed. If Scooby is licking back there, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
My dog had his anal glands expressed 3 days ago and still scooting/licking excessively. The area looks red and irritated. I feel bad for the poor guy!
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This is likely due to an infection of the anal sac or possibly allergies for example. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog got groomed the other day. He is a 14lb Tibetan spaniel mix. He’s been scooting a lot and is very uncomfortable and is almost manic and runs around before scooting. His anus is swollen and inflamed and I’m not sure how to help him. My local ve
If his anal glands were expressed (emptied) by the groomer, they may be sensitive. If not, the glands could be full, impacted or infected. Any of these can cause discomfort and stress. If he will allow, try applying a warm compress to his bottom. This may provide temporary relief. Have him seen by your veterinarian as soon as the clinic opens. If he is extremely painful, have him seen at the nearest veterinary ER. The doctors there can express his glands if necessary and can dispense pain medication. If he has an infection, antibiotics can be prescribed. An anal gland abscess will need to be lanced and drained. This is typically done under anesthesia.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Baxter's anus is red and swollen, and he keeps scooting and licking at it. He just had his glands expressed about 2 weeks ago, but has also recently been sick with diarrhea, though he has been treated and is now getting better. Could this just be inf
Either is possible - diarrhea can cause irritation and 'itchiness' of the anus and perianal area. Baxter's anal glands could also be full since they are normally emptied during defecation and his stool probably hasn't been bulky enough to express them. If his anal area looks irritated you could apply a thin layer of Vitamin A+D ointment or Petroleum jelly to the area, but if he keeps scooting I'd recommend taking him in to have his glands checked.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Yesterday (6/11/18) I took Emma to have anal glands expressed around 4:30 pm. Vet tech said her glands were pretty full. I just caught Emma scooting on the area rug. Does this mean her anal glands still need more expressing? Is this why her anus loo
Thank you for using Boop by Petco! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog was recently groomed and has been exhibiting signs of irritation near his genitals and anus (scooting, not liking walks). How can I help him?
Poor Benji! This can sometimes happen after grooming, if there is some skin irritation in these areas caused by the clippers. You can try applying some topical hydrocortisone spray to the irritated areas every 8-12 hours for the next few days to help give him some relief - you should be able to find a spray labeled for use in dogs at most pet stores. I would also recommend mentioning to the groomer next time that he had this issue - that way, they can be extra careful not to give him any "clipper burn" in these sensitive areas in the future :)
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Scoots butt on ground - not often. Deworming again with Pancur. Vet took care of anal gland. Should I change diet or consult local Vet again? Stools are normal.
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! If possible, I would recommend you check in with your veterinarian for further assessment. This is possibly an anal gland issue. Sometimes these can get impacted or infected and cause those signs. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

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